Michael Sergi Named Armstrong Men's Cross Country Coach

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State University athletic department has announced the hiring of Michael Sergi as its new head men's cross country coach.

Sergi joins the Pirates from cross-town Savannah College of Art and Design, where he served as the head men's and women's cross country coach for five seasons.

As head coach of the Bees, Sergi directed SCAD cross country to The Sun Conference second-place finishes in both men's and women's cross country each of the last three years, and had six runners qualify for the NAIA National Championships each of the last two seasons.

"I'm excited to have Michael Sergi take the lead with our fledgling men's cross country team," Armstrong athletic director Lisa Sweany said. "He brings a level of knowledge, experience and proven success to the Pirates that I'm confident will take us to the next level."

Under his tutelage, Sergi directed the men's team to not only its best conference cross country finishes ever, but also featured its first national qualifier in track and field as Cesar Ignacio Fernandez qualified in the 5K, setting a new school record in the process and finishing ninth overall.

Armstrong men's cross country will begin its fourth season of competition in 2012 after reinstatement of the program in 2009.

A native of Savannah, Sergi returns to the school where he received his master's degree in sports medicine as he graduated from Armstrong in 2007. He received his bachelor's degree in sociology from Georgia Southern University in 2000.